#Kanda/Link slowburn

[faeriexqueen]

Songbirds in Winter (Update: 4/5/2024)

Title: Songbirds in Winter. Fandom: D. Gray-Man. Pairings: Alma Karma/Tyki Mikk, Kanda Yuu & Alma Karma (One-Sided/Unrequited Yulma), Lavi Bookman/Allen Walker. Rated: Explicit. Words: 206.1K+. Tags: Romeo and Juliet AU, Omegaverse, Alpha/Omega, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Royalty/Nobility, Renaissance/Renaissance Era, Medieval, Slowburn, Romance, Drama, Angst, Forbidden Romance, Secret Relationship, Eventual Romance, Pregnancy, Hints of Incestuous Feelings/Incest, Family Drama, NSFW, Lemon/Eventual Lemons (Please see AO3 for full list of tags and warnings). Chapters: 26/?. Summary: They had always known that their lives would be planned out for them. For Tyki, it is to eventually become the head of his family as the next alpha in line, despite his wishes for otherwise. For Alma, it is to be married off for the benefit of his kin — to be bred for political gain, regardless of his own feelings on the matter. The stage is set, and they have their parts to play. But being in the crossfire of a dangerous rivalry among noble families is never easy — not when the person you love is the very one you’re forbidden from being with. Chapter 26 Excerpt — Hidden Amongst Flowers:

The two attendants nodded, taking the chest from the delivery men before beginning to haul it upstairs. However, the last delivery attendant remained, still holding the bouquet. “Ah.” The attendant shuffled somewhat awkwardly. “This is actually from someone else…I’m afraid I don’t know who, though. I was just asked to deliver it today.” “What?” Link couldn’t hide his surprise. “It’s anonymous?” That caught Alma’s attention. His focus whipped back to the bouquet, heart jumping a little in his chest. “Um, I’ll take it,” he said. “I think I’d like to take that to my room as well.” The delivery man nodded, handing the bouquet to Alma. As Alma took it, he got a better whiff of the fragrant flowers — some red and pink roses. Irises. There weren’t any lilacs, but there were also… ‘Forget-me-nots.’ Alma spied the lovely blue flowers sprinkled throughout, his heart rapidly pounding in his chest.

Read on AO3.

[tracing-in-gold]

DGM Rarepair Week 2k19!

Art by the awesome @warie-lym​! Scene from my Kanda/Link slow burn WIP. Which of course would have some drinking shenanigans XD. Fandom could always have more glowingdrunk!Kanda and loldrunk!Link.

“ ‘S not right, your hair.” Kanda muttered.

Link raised an eyebrow. “Why’s that?”

“Your hair’s pretty,” said Kanda. “But you’re ugly.”

“Huh. Blond hair.” Kanda tugged on Link’s braid, tuft at the end.  Like a tail.

“Yes, my hair is blond,” Link replied, overly patient.

“ ‘S not right, your hair,” he muttered.

Link raised an eyebrow. “Why’s that?”

“Your hair’s pretty,” said Kanda. “But you’re ugly.”

Blunt as a door in the face. This had been a common theme lately. Kanda was becoming fast acquainted with alcohol’s buzz at each bar. He didn’t talk constantly, but the things he fixated on became *very important*.

Like Link’s hair.

Link sighed. “Really, Kanda?”

“Yeah,” said Kanda, smug. “You being ugly saves me a headache from those drunk dumbasses.”

Link glared over his drink to the slowly growing, disheveled onlookers in matching grays and some kind of red oval insigna? He matched their gazes from across several tables, with many scowling back. “Not all of them, apparently.”

Kanda shrugged. “They’re leaving us alone. Good enough.” Something about his steel dark eyes didn’t square quite right with his words, Link noted. Not the way he was scanning Link from head to toe. That being left alone with Kanda would be entirely…different.

“Real shame about your hair though,” continued Kanda.

Link fought the urge to roll his eyes at Kanda’s perpetual peeve. “And what about it?”

“ ‘S not right to have pretty hair…”

Sitting at the bar, always a hair apart from Johnny and Kanda, Link looked down his whiskey yet again.  Was their slight distance from him on purpose? Remembering Johnny’s shaking words when he swore he would protect Allen from Link binding him again. Kanda’s narrow glare at the back of Link’s neck everywhere they traveled. Central had let Johnny go, was tolerating Kanda’s defection in all but name AGAIN…because Link was there.

Link swirled the whiskey in the glass.

He was Johnny’s watchdog right now. Made so by the blessing of the mysterious Cardinal in the red suit, no less. Of course they couldn’t trust him. He wouldn’t trust himself if he had been in their position.

More than ever, Link stood alone.

But so long as they could find Walker, keep him from succumbing to the Noah? If anyone could save Allen Walker from the Fourteenth, he knew, it would be Johnny–sweating bullets when he promised he’d protect Walker from Link. It would be Kanda–apparently giving Death itself the finger to find him again.

Link opened his mouth to argue…and shrugged. “Actually? I’m fine with being ugly.”

His smirk felt so pasted on it made his cheeks cringe, like he’d bitten a lemon. It also made Kanda choke on his tequila and caused a horrendous troll face. So. A small victory.

“You are?” Kanda put his glass down, suspicious.  “Can’t even come up with an argument?”

Link nodded. “I’ll be the ugly one. Because that makes you the pretty one.”

“No it doesn’t,“ Kanda snorted.

“Actually, it does. Beauty and ugliness are subjective.” Link leaned in, having caught a thread of *something* and not letting it go. “How do you know something is ugly? Pretty? You have to compare.”

“Huh? You’re just pulling shit out of your ass.”

Behind Kanda’s shoulder, Johnny popped his head up immediately. The verbal knives being drawn was music to the ears of every Science Division member. “Wait Kanda! Some concepts can only be illustrated by their polar opposite.” His pink beaming smile seemed to make Kanda hesitate–poor drinkmanship to smack someone not arguing with you, Link supposed.

”…Whatever.“ Kanda sulked over his glass.

Johnny waved at Link. “Proceed, Inspector!”

Link snorted out loud before he could stop himself. Well…He shook his head, taking the plunge.  “Tell me, how do you know left from right?”

“Um. One hand here, and–”

“Up from down? Hard and soft?”

Despite himself, Kanda tried to keep up, uncertain as Link plowed on.

“Short and tall? Spicy and bland? Black and white–?”

“Fine, fuck. Slow down!”

“At it’s most basic, you need a duality. It’s–It’s a rule.” Link’s hands traced his thoughts in the air. “Take fairy tales. It’s always a pair. Honest hero, cunning villain. Kind princess, evil stepmother. The ugly sister,” Link fluffed his bangs away from his forehead, then made a much grander wave to a skeptical Kanda, “the pretty sister.”

“Oh fuck you.” Kanda looked like he was beginning to regret starting this conversation.

[*Finally* muttered a voice in the back of Link’s head…]

“How. Will they know,” Link finished, tapping his shot glass, “that I’m ugly, if they don’t see how pretty you are?”

“I get it, ugh.”

A little giggle came from the other side of Kanda. Johnny peeled his face from the countertop, a napkin stuck to his cheek. “I have listened as a scientist, and the Inspector has defended his views. Rather successfully.”

���Don’t help him.”

Link leaned his chin on his hand. His eyes relaxed, half-lidded, and the smallest smile at the corners of his mouth. If it took Link being ugly to take the edge off Kanda’s fear of losing Walker, then that was fine. He’ll be their scapegoat for their fear, anxiety, anger.

“Go ahead.” There was only a little catch in his chest, “tell me I’m ugly. You’ll just prove me right.”

“Tch.” Kanda crossed his arms, which made Link savor his rare victory. He even managed to hold his tongue on telling Kanda he was damned beautiful when he was pissed.

A meaty hand settled between Johnny and Kanda. An even more solid body wedged itself into Johnny’s slace, blocking Kanda in with Link. “Finally,” said its owner, a blubbery mountain of a man.

–

In physics, it was a controversial idea that one action in time could split the course of the universe from one path into divergent paths. Johnny would remember this moment as the one that led to the changes between Link and Kanda, for worst, and possibly, for better. But first it got worse. Definitely worse.

(to be continued)

[nea-writes]

I am reading cigarettes and loneliness rn and thank you and hurryupfic for making me realize how Link would work???? So well with Kanda and Allen??? I was aware that Pie shipping would be good and Yullen was an old fav of mine last time I was in the fandom but Kanda/Link is just??? I really like the idea of Link liking it rough too, despite being a slowburn romantic and in KAL you can both see him being protective mother hen gentle romo side to Allen and a bit rougher with Kanda and its blessing

GOSH, THANK YOU FOR LOVING THEM it makes me so happy!!!! Kal is a good ship and it works all three ways. I love love love building link/kanda’s relationship, which was the whole point of c&l. We all see linkllen and yullen, but where is linkanda? Even more so, what makes linkanda work, or rather, how would they work? 

All the ships bring something to the table. Linkllen, sweet, sincere, dry humor and ambition, earnest devotion and love that builds and builds. Yullen with passion and fire and anger but also faith and confidence, love that consumes and grows. 

And then Linkanda? What do they talk about, what do they do together, what life would they build? How would they joke, what would they find funny, between link’s dry sarcasm and kanda’s mean rebuttals, where’s the middle ground?

And of course, how do they all work together?

They all have different sides and bring different things to the relationship, and its just so so so so so good. God I love kal. 

@hurryupfic and I have more kal work and linkanda work planned, and of course we’re still working on c&l. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it!!

[tracing-in-gold]

Slowburn Kanda/Link pic, for DGM Rare Pair Week 2k19. Art by @gammatreis ! 😍😍😍 hoping to make a fic banner with this 😍😍😍

(Kanda is such the show stealer, he comes out looking better than Link almost every time!)

Kanda and Link from D. Gray-Man for @maxxim-writes-here

Two idiots I would definitely draw again.

[faeriexqueen]

Songbirds in Winter (Update: 2/21/2023)

Title: Songbirds in Winter. Fandom: D. Gray-Man. Pairings: Alma Karma/Tyki Mikk, Kanda Yuu & Alma Karma (One-Sided/Unrequited Yulma), Lavi Bookman/Allen Walker. Rated: Explicit. Words: 189.1K+. Tags: Romeo and Juliet AU, Omegaverse, Alpha/Omega, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Royalty/Nobility, Renaissance/Renaissance Era, Medieval, Slowburn, Romance, Drama, Angst, Forbidden Romance, Secret Relationship, Eventual Romance, Pregnancy, Hints of Incestuous Feelings/Incest, Family Drama, NSFW, Lemon/Eventual Lemons (Please see AO3 for full list of tags and warnings). Chapters: 24/?. Summary: They had always known that their lives would be planned out for them. For Tyki, it is to eventually become the head of his family as the next alpha in line, despite his wishes for otherwise. For Alma, it is to be married off for the benefit of his kin — to be bred for political gain, regardless of his own feelings on the matter. The stage is set, and they have their parts to play. But being in the crossfire of a dangerous rivalry among noble families is never easy — not when the person you love is the very one you’re forbidden from being with. Chapter 24 Excerpt — The Sparring Match:

A guard led the three out onto the training grounds. He was a tall and broad shouldered alpha, the guard stopping before the nobles. “Now, you all are experienced enough to know training etiquette. Do so honorably, and if your opponent is injured upon accident, stop immediately,” he said, eying each of them. “That clear?” The three alphas exchanged glances, all eying each other warily. However, none of them said anything. The guard nodded, satisfied enough with their silence. “Alright, then.” He looked at Cosimov, bowing his head. “I’ll be on standby, but leave the rest of the sparring terms to Your Grace to decide.” The guard excused himself, Cosimov turning to face Kanda and Tyki. He eyed them both. “Well, one against two wouldn’t be fair, so I’d propose we spar one-on-one.” As Cosimov glanced between the other alphas, a smirk tugged at his lips. “I think I’d like to see you two spar first.” Kanda’s attention snapped to the duke, displeasure apparent. He shot a dirty look in Tyki’s direction. “I didn’t come to spar with him.” Tyki chucked. “I’m wounded,” he said, not caring to hide his sarcasm. “Completely heartbroken. Defeated.”  Kanda glared in Tyki’s direction. He was prepared to snap back a retort, but stopped short as he spied Alma in the distance, the omega watching from the benches worriedly with Link. Just barely, Kanda anchored himself in, remembering his cousin’s earlier plea. Jaw tight, he swallowed his ire. “Tch. Whatever,” he grumbled, walking out onto the training grounds. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Read on AO3.

[faeriexqueen]

Songbirds in Winter (Update: 3/22/23)

Title: Songbirds in Winter. Fandom: D. Gray-Man. Pairings: Alma Karma/Tyki Mikk, Kanda Yuu & Alma Karma (One-Sided/Unrequited Yulma), Lavi Bookman/Allen Walker. Rated: Explicit. Words: 81.7K+. Tags: Romeo and Juliet AU, Omegaverse, Alpha/Omega, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Royalty/Nobility, Renaissance/Renaissance Era, Medieval, Slowburn, Romance, Drama, Angst, Forbidden Romance, Secret Relationship, Eventual Romance, Pregnancy, Hints of Incestuous Feelings/Incest, Family Drama, NSFW, Lemon/Eventual Lemons (Please see AO3 for full list of tags and warnings). Chapters: 11/?. Summary: They had always known that their lives would be planned out for them. For Tyki, it is to eventually become the head of his family as the next alpha in line, despite his wishes for otherwise. For Alma, it is to be married off for the benefit of his kin — to be bred for political gain, regardless of his own feelings on the matter. The stage is set, and they have their parts to play. But being in the crossfire of a dangerous rivalry among noble families is never easy — not when the person you love is the very one you’re forbidden from being with. Chapter 11 Excerpt — When Guests Depart:

Alma chewed his bottom lip as he looked down. He continued to fidget with the ties of his nightshirt. “At the ball…there was someone who came,” he said, before raising his gaze to meet Link’s. “One of the Kamelots.” “What?” Link’s gaze widened, shocked. “What do you mean? No one from that family was even invited, and one of them just showed up?” Alma pursed his lips. “Well…he said he had an invitation,” he tried to explain, before sighing. “Yuu got into a fight with him and Father got involved. He left after that.” Link clicked his tongue as he shook his head distastefully. “Outrageous. The level of audacity that family has — I can’t believe they would come somewhere they clearly weren’t invited,” he spoke. “Which Kamelot even was it?” Alma swallowed. “His name was Tyki?” He looked back at Link, uncertain. “I was just…wondering if you knew anything about him? We talked for a few minutes, but it wasn’t for long—” “He what?” Link’s eyes bulged, the beta shocked. “Did he try to do anything to you? It's no wonder Kanda reacted like he did!” Alma shook his head quickly. “No! No, he didn’t,” he said. “Really — he just said hi and wished me well for my birthday. That was all it was.” He told himself this — that that was all it was. A small conversation. But the exchange replayed in Alma’s mind, stubbornly refusing to stop. After all, it wasn’t the first time Alma had spoken to Tyki — or Mikk, as he had originally thought him to be. There had been their first meeting at the Saints’ Festival. Tyki buying Alma those lilacs… He couldn’t tell this to Link, of course.

Read on AO3.

[faeriexqueen]

Songbirds in Winter (Update: 11/24/2022)

Title: Songbirds in Winter. Fandom: D. Gray-Man. Pairings: Alma Karma/Tyki Mikk, Kanda Yuu & Alma Karma (One-Sided/Unrequited Yulma), Lavi Bookman/Allen Walker. Rated: Explicit. Words: 18.1K+. Tags: Romeo and Juliet AU, Omegaverse, Alpha/Omega, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Royalty/Nobility, Renaissance/Renaissance Era, Medieval, Slowburn, Romance, Drama, Angst, Forbidden Romance, Secret Relationship, Eventual Romance, Pregnancy, Hints of Incestuous Feelings/Incest, Family Drama, NSFW, Lemon/Eventual Lemons (Please see AO3 for full list of tags and warnings). Chapters: 3/?. Summary: They had always known that their lives would be planned out for them. For Tyki, it is to eventually become the head of his family as the next alpha in line, despite his wishes for otherwise. For Alma, it is to be married off for the benefit of his kin — to be bred for political gain, regardless of his own feelings on the matter. The stage is set, and they have their parts to play. But being in the crossfire of a dangerous rivalry among noble families is never easy — not when the person you love is the very one you’re forbidden from being with. Chapter 3 Excerpt — Doves in a Cage:

“Alma, are you even listening?” Alma’s attention snapped back to the present. He turned back to Link, genuinely confused, nose pink from the chill. “What?” Link sighed. “I was saying you’re going to catch a cold if you keep standing there,” he chided. “Really — the last thing you want to do is fall ill before you’re presented.” Alma blushed in embarrassment. “Ah, sorry.” He stepped away from the balcony as Link briskly walked past him, closing the doors so that the breeze would not slip in any longer. Link shut the latches. He glanced at Alma, lips pursed. “You do seem quite distracted today,” he observed. “Are you alright?” “Huh? Um, yeah.” Alma rubbed his nose, warming it from the cold. He averted his gaze. “I mean — it just feels weird. Being presented. I always knew it was going to happen, but…” He trailed off, not even entirely sure what it was he wanted to articulate. As an omega, Alma had always known he’d eventually be presented — formally introduced to other members of high society, finally eligible to be courted and married off. It was something any omega from a noble family was expected to partake in, with more conservative families going as far as to never let their omega children interact much outside of the household. Not until they were ready to be introduced to prospective mates. And in Alma’s case, his family was very conservative.

Read on AO3.

[faeriexqueen]

Songbirds in Winter (Update: 4/8/23)

Title: Songbirds in Winter. Fandom: D. Gray-Man. Pairings: Alma Karma/Tyki Mikk, Kanda Yuu & Alma Karma (One-Sided/Unrequited Yulma), Lavi Bookman/Allen Walker. Rated: Explicit. Words: 91.6K+. Tags: Romeo and Juliet AU, Omegaverse, Alpha/Omega, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Royalty/Nobility, Renaissance/Renaissance Era, Medieval, Slowburn, Romance, Drama, Angst, Forbidden Romance, Secret Relationship, Eventual Romance, Pregnancy, Hints of Incestuous Feelings/Incest, Family Drama, NSFW, Lemon/Eventual Lemons (Please see AO3 for full list of tags and warnings). Chapters: 12/?. Summary: They had always known that their lives would be planned out for them. For Tyki, it is to eventually become the head of his family as the next alpha in line, despite his wishes for otherwise. For Alma, it is to be married off for the benefit of his kin — to be bred for political gain, regardless of his own feelings on the matter. The stage is set, and they have their parts to play. But being in the crossfire of a dangerous rivalry among noble families is never easy — not when the person you love is the very one you’re forbidden from being with. Chapter 12 Excerpt — The Banquet:

The carriage was outside, the sky steadily growing darker. Several footmen remained stationed, though they immediately assisted the Epstains as they approached, first helping Renny inside. Alma followed next, with Sahlins entering the carriage last. The inside was spacious, the seat cushions plush and lined in velvet. Renny sat on one side of the carriage, across from Sahlins. Alma sat beside Sahlins, though he kept close to the window. Unable to quell his curiosity, he peeked outside, tugging at the curtains as he heard the driver whip the reins. Renny looked over at Alma. “You’ve always wanted to see the castle,” she pointed out. “You’re probably excited.” Alma looked back at his sister and nodded, a small flutter of eagerness in his chest. “Are there going to be a lot of people there?” he asked, eyes lighting up. “Like at the ball?” “Most of the nobles who attend court. Some you won’t have met yet, but many you’ll probably recognize from the ball,” Renny answered. She paused for a moment, her gaze flickering to Sahlins briefly. “The Kamelots will be there as well.” Sahlins exhaled. “Yes, they’ll be bringing their heir, from my understanding.” Sahlins looked over at Alma, expression serious. “Be sure not to speak to them — especially Lord Tyki. It would be best for you to avoid any association with him.” Alma paused, looking back at Sahlins. He didn’t say anything, lips pressed together, the sentiment one he had already received. From Link. From Kanda. Essentially, everyone he cared about. A small breath escaped Alma, and he nodded. “I won’t,” he said. “I won’t talk to him.”

Read on AO3.

[faeriexqueen]

Songbirds in Winter (Update: 2/2/2023)

Title: Songbirds in Winter. Fandom: D. Gray-Man. Pairings: Alma Karma/Tyki Mikk, Kanda Yuu & Alma Karma (One-Sided/Unrequited Yulma), Lavi Bookman/Allen Walker. Rated: Explicit. Words: 54.9K+. Tags: Romeo and Juliet AU, Omegaverse, Alpha/Omega, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Royalty/Nobility, Renaissance/Renaissance Era, Medieval, Slowburn, Romance, Drama, Angst, Forbidden Romance, Secret Relationship, Eventual Romance, Pregnancy, Hints of Incestuous Feelings/Incest, Family Drama, NSFW, Lemon/Eventual Lemons (Please see AO3 for full list of tags and warnings). Chapters: 8/?. Summary: They had always known that their lives would be planned out for them. For Tyki, it is to eventually become the head of his family as the next alpha in line, despite his wishes for otherwise. For Alma, it is to be married off for the benefit of his kin — to be bred for political gain, regardless of his own feelings on the matter. The stage is set, and they have their parts to play. But being in the crossfire of a dangerous rivalry among noble families is never easy — not when the person you love is the very one you’re forbidden from being with. Chapter 8 Excerpt — Arrangements and Adjustments:

“You truly are lucky that no one noticed.” Alma bit his lip, trying not to get exasperated. “Link, can’t you let it go?” he asked. “It was fine — and I told you the secret ingredient for the lemon tarts!” Link huffed. He stepped back, having just assisted in helping Alma get ready to retire for the evening. They currently were in Alma’s bedchambers, the omega having changed into his nightclothes: a loose, long linen shirt and pants. The shirt was loose, the collar one that could tie up if needed. However, Alma opted to keep the ties undone; he always made an effort to cover his scent glands, but didn’t like the discomfort of high collars while he slept. Link took the clothing Alma had worn that day, the attired folded. “I know you keep insisting it was fine, but it wasn’t. We’re just fortunate that only Kanda found out.” Alma sighed. He tugged the sleeves of his nightshirt. “I know — but I’m back now, at least.” He looked at Link, genuinely apologetic. “I’m sorry I was gone for longer than I was supposed to…I just lost track of time. I really didn’t mean to.” Link paused, catching the omega’s penitent gaze. He exhaled. “I know you didn’t do it on purpose.” He eyed Alma, russet gaze astute. “But…nothing happened, did it? Kanda said so, but I know he didn’t locate you for a while. You didn’t speak to anyone or give anyone your name, did you?” Alma wavered. All too easily, he recalled his time at the festival — specifically his time with that one alpha, Mikk. Immediately, Alma broke eye contact with Link. He swallowed. “Well…I might have talked to one person,” he admitted.

Read on AO3.

[faeriexqueen]

Songbirds in Winter (Update: 12/29/2022)

Title: Songbirds in Winter. Fandom: D. Gray-Man. Pairings: Alma Karma/Tyki Mikk, Kanda Yuu & Alma Karma (One-Sided/Unrequited Yulma), Lavi Bookman/Allen Walker. Rated: Explicit. Words: 31.4K+. Tags: Romeo and Juliet AU, Omegaverse, Alpha/Omega, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Royalty/Nobility, Renaissance/Renaissance Era, Medieval, Slowburn, Romance, Drama, Angst, Forbidden Romance, Secret Relationship, Eventual Romance, Pregnancy, Hints of Incestuous Feelings/Incest, Family Drama, NSFW, Lemon/Eventual Lemons (Please see AO3 for full list of tags and warnings). Chapters: 5/?. Summary: They had always known that their lives would be planned out for them. For Tyki, it is to eventually become the head of his family as the next alpha in line, despite his wishes for otherwise. For Alma, it is to be married off for the benefit of his kin — to be bred for political gain, regardless of his own feelings on the matter. The stage is set, and they have their parts to play. But being in the crossfire of a dangerous rivalry among noble families is never easy — not when the person you love is the very one you’re forbidden from being with. Chapter 5 Excerpt — Breaking the Mold:

Relief swelled in Alma’s chest as he slouched back onto the divan. “That’s good…I feel like my feet are going to fall off after that lesson.” “We can’t have that happen.” Link blinked, suddenly remembering something. He reached into his pocket, taking out a small jar. “Oh — I wanted to let you know I finally was able to collect that ointment this morning. The apothecary finally made a new batch—" “Really?” Alma was on his feet in a second, discarding the throw pillow as he swiped the ointment from Link quickly, unscrewing the lid as he smelled it. Link’s stared, mouth agape at the omega’s shift in energy. “I thought your feet were about to fall off?” he asked, an edge of suspicion slipping into his words. His eyes narrowed. “And why are you so eager? Didn’t you say you just wanted it to be on the safe side? You should at least keep it sealed so it stays fresh.” Alma ignored Link, dipping his fingers into the ointment and smearing it onto his wrist. After rubbing it in, he sniffed it, though he struggled to tell how well the ointment was working. “Hey.” He held out his wrist to Link. “Do you think that blocks my scent enough?” Link faltered, sputtering as he pushed Alma’s hand back. “Why are you asking me to test that?” he asked, flustered by the request to sniff Alma’s scent gland. “Honestly.” Alma bit his lip. “Please, Link? I just want to make sure it works well!” “Why?” Link crossed his arms, suspicion brimming full force. “What did you want that ointment for? Somehow, I’m finding it difficult to believe it’s a precaution for the ball.” Alma wavered, suddenly nervous. He looked down as he tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, heart pounding in his chest. “I…I want to go out,” he finally said, before forcing his gaze to meet Link’s. He shoved the words out before he could change his mind. “The Saints’ Festival started today — and I want to go to it.”

Read on AO3.

[faeriexqueen]

Songbirds in Winter (Update: 1/14/2023)

Title: Songbirds in Winter. Fandom: D. Gray-Man. Pairings: Alma Karma/Tyki Mikk, Kanda Yuu & Alma Karma (One-Sided/Unrequited Yulma), Lavi Bookman/Allen Walker. Rated: Explicit. Words: 42.1K+. Tags: Romeo and Juliet AU, Omegaverse, Alpha/Omega, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Royalty/Nobility, Renaissance/Renaissance Era, Medieval, Slowburn, Romance, Drama, Angst, Forbidden Romance, Secret Relationship, Eventual Romance, Pregnancy, Hints of Incestuous Feelings/Incest, Family Drama, NSFW, Lemon/Eventual Lemons (Please see AO3 for full list of tags and warnings). Chapters: 6/?. Summary: They had always known that their lives would be planned out for them. For Tyki, it is to eventually become the head of his family as the next alpha in line, despite his wishes for otherwise. For Alma, it is to be married off for the benefit of his kin — to be bred for political gain, regardless of his own feelings on the matter. The stage is set, and they have their parts to play. But being in the crossfire of a dangerous rivalry among noble families is never easy — not when the person you love is the very one you’re forbidden from being with. Chapter 6 Excerpt — The Saints’ Festival:

“I don’t like this. I don’t like this at all.” Alma followed Link down the hall, their steps quick as they navigated the servants’ quarters. After leaving the music room, the two of them had been fast to creep out. Alma didn’t want to chance Link changing his mind about assisting in him sneaking out to the Saints’ Festival, and Link didn’t want to chance them getting caught. Fortunately, most of the servants were preoccupied with tasks, the bulk of them having started on preparations for the upcoming ball. The distractions made an ideal time for Alma to make a swift escape. As he thought about it, his heart beat wildly at the thought. Alma had never snuck out before. He had caught himself wistfully thinking about it on a few occasions, if only to entertain the fantasy of going on an adventurous (albeit an innocuous) escapade. In the past, he never would have dared to take such a risk before. But, with his presentation looming, Alma’s time was limited. Besides — only an hour out would be harmless, wouldn’t it?

Read on AO3.

[faeriexqueen]

Hi Faerie! Is your ask box still open for the character and/or ship asks? If so, has anyone asked about Link yet? if you're up for answering, thank you (bc I am so obvious) XD XD XD

LOL. Yes, it’s still open!! XD Link OTP - Link x Lavi, Link x Kanda

@kitty-bandit is 10000% to blame for my Link x Lavi obsession. They balance each other out so, so well and are definitely one of my favorite rare pairs (Lavi knows how to get Link to loosen up!). But I also have started to really get into Link x Kanda (thank you, Maxxim - that’s your fault XD) so they’re up there as a ship as well. :3

BrOTP - Link & Tewaku

Tewaku is more a sis than a bro, but from what we’ve seen of them I feel like they really know how to support each other? When I think of a BrOTP, not many come to mind except for the thirds - I feel like they’re the ones Link is closest to in that way. (Tewaku just stands out to me for some reason?)

OT3 - Allen x Link x Tyki

Okay, so I’ve see Link x Allen and Link x Tyki - I think putting all three together would be a dynamite OT3 though. X3 It would be a...very balanced triangle? (Plus Allen and Tyki would really shake Link’s world adjaskldjlk)

NOTP - ???

I don’t exactly have a hard NOTP for Link. He’s pretty shippable? XD He can work well with a lot of characters I feel like. (I think the one I could think of is Link x Lvellie, since I view them more as a mentor/mentee relationship that borders on fatherly.)

Send me a character, and I’ll give an OTP, BrOTP, OT3, and NOTP.

Link x Kanda (I’m assuming this is who you wanted it for? XD)

Bakery AU and slowburn/mutual pining. - I’ve been thinking that a modern AU where Link works at a bakery would be really cute? Kanda isn’t someone who is into sweets, but I don’t know, maybe Lenalee forces him to go on runs there and feelings for the cute baker eventually develop and that mutual pining just simmers. X3

Send me a ship and I’ll give them a trope and an AU.